Final answer:
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of hip disability, often requiring total hip arthroplasty to relieve pain and restore joint mobility. Hip fractures in the elderly are another significant cause, leading to severe health complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common cause of hip disability is osteoarthritis. This condition often leads to the need for hip replacement surgery, or total hip arthroplasty, which can alleviate the pain and restore mobility. Total hip replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged articular surfaces of the bones with a prosthesis, which includes a rounded ball attached to the shaft inserted into the femur and a reshaped acetabulum fitted with a replacement socket. Hip fractures in elderly individuals, especially those with osteoporosis, are also a notable cause of hip disability. These fractures may necessitate surgical intervention and can result in significant health complications, including bone necrosis, pneumonia, and thrombophlebitis.